Media releases

Dementia Australia today called for immediate action to prevent neglect or worse - premature death – and ensure appropriate support and care of people living with dementia in residential aged care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This week’s Dementia Australia National Symposium Series 2020 – Dementia care is quality care highlighted the need for collaboration across the aged care sector in order to ensure quality dementia care is core business.  Speaking at the second instalment of the Symposium Series, Swinburne University Chancellor and Leef Independent Living Solutions Executive Chairman Prof John Pollaers OAM began the session by urging attendees to take action. 

On Aged Care Employee Day, Dementia Australia acknowledges the hundreds of thousands of people working in the industry across Australia.  Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the day is an opportunity to thank, honour and celebrate aged care employees, which are now more important than ever. 

Leadership, culture change, building workforce capacity and continuous improvement are the essential elements to ensuring quality care for people living with dementia, prioritised in Dementia Australia’s Quality Care Initiative Action Plan released today. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said this Action Plan represents a consensus view of thought-leaders across the aged care sector.

Dementia Australia’s National Ambassador Ita Buttrose AC OBE has invited aged care professionals to register for the Dementia Australia National Symposium Series 2020 – Dementia care is quality care.  Ms Buttrose said she will present at the final session of the online weekly webinar series, which will be held for six consecutive weeks starting Tuesday 4 August. 

Originally planned to be held in Sydney earlier this year, the ‘Dementia Australia National Symposium Series 2020 – Dementia care is quality care’ has now been transformed into an online series of virtual events.  Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the 90-minute weekly online webinar series will be held over six weeks beginning on Tuesday 4 August.

Thursday 23 July 2020 Dementia peak body acknowledges the devastating impact that COVID-19 is having on older Australians, particularly on people living with dementia who are some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

Dementia Australia has welcomed an extension of three and a half months to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and a further 6,100 home care packages announced by the federal government.

Wednesday 8 July 2020 Racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart OBE’s Race Against Dementia charity and the Dementia Australia Research Foundation today announced the launch of a new Australian dementia research fellowship. The ‘Race Against Dementia – Dementia Australia Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowship’ programme will support two early career researchers in the field of dementia prevention or treatment.

Dementia Australia has welcomed the introduction of a Serious Incident Response Scheme by the federal government to protect vulnerable and senior Australians from abuse and neglect. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the scheme is an important step in helping to keep people living with dementia safe.

Today on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Dementia Australia is urging all Australians to know the warning signs of elder abuse and to be alert to vulnerable Australians, including people who live with dementia. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said elder abuse is a serious issue that is likely to have become even more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dementia Australia has welcomed the launch of the Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) Age-Friendly City Plan, which includes a focus on some areas becoming dementia-friendly. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the focus of the Plan is on practical achievements that address the barriers older Canberrans have said they face in living free from abuse, staying mobile, remaining socially connected and having good access to services.